With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Indonesia?

Fuel prices in Indonesia have not increased as far as I know. Still IDR12,300 per litre last time I filled up. Public transport in Indonesia is generally pretty good.

@wyngrove60

Correct Wyngrove but I’m afraid its the calm before the proverbial storm.

Indonesia in contrast to a comparable neighbour such as the Philippines has been heavily subsidising fuel price increases via the state national oil company Pertamina. Moreover unlike the Philippines it has some refining capacity.

We are talking about time lags here. A large quantity of oil had left the strait of Hormuz when the conflict began. This had been ramped up as the Gulf oil exporting countries realised that conflict between the US & Iran was highly likely. Hence hitherto there has not been a supply problem in countries that have deep pockets. With the exception of China crude oil inventories across Asia are falling fast. Most Asian countries are a few weeks away from fuel shortages.

The sobering reality is that even if there is a solution to opening up the strait of Hormuz in the near future it will take months before supply and demand reach equilibrium and its the poorer emerging  market nations like Indonesia that will suffer.

And to the OP to equate a pushbike solution in Indonesia is akin to comparing chalk and cheese. Very few Indonesians (with perhaps the exception of Fred) own or could afford the added expense. The alternative I suppose is Shanks’s Pony

On a broader perspective the oil crisis will and is having a severe impact on Indonesian finances. The money has to come from somewhere and in this case the state is picking up the tab. The economy was already faltering prior the the latest Gulf war and there will inevitably be economic fallout. Imports will become more expensive compounded by a weak and weakening IDR.

Well hopefully it won't go above Rp15k per litre. Shell used to be over Rp14k per litre months ago when you could buy the stuff and I had been using it for more than 10 years. Probably I could afford Pertamax whatever it goes up to.

Subsidised fuel has held steady, but non-subsidised has increased dramatically.

Luckily,  most people here use bikes so there's no direct impact at all.

However, the Trump war is damaging the Indonesian economy because of the fuel crisis he triggered.

On the bright side, Indonesia is pushing new solar and EVs in order to mitigate the issues.

I run an ICE car but not enough to really notice the hit, and I have a small electric bike that costs around Rp.1,500 for 40 to 50 km of traveling.

If possible for your use,  I strongly recommend an EV bike or small EV car you can charge from home.

Added....

There are a large number of e-bicycle companies in Indonesia that sell crazy cheap bikes that look like scooters but don't require a license or any other paperwork.

They have gel batteries that will probably last a couple of years, but the bikes are so cheap to buy, the hit of a new battery is hardly a problem.

You get virtually free local transport for a couple of years out of an investment of 5 to 10 million IDR.

Mine saves me a fortune in cash, but also a pile of hassle. I use it to get to work from time to time, but it's mostly used for shopping and trips to coffee shops.

I charge it at a cost of Rp.1,500 every couple of weeks in normal use, but up to twice a week if I use it a lot for going to work.

@Fred

The elephant in the room when it comes to two wheel transport is of course personal safety. Amplified in large cities like Jakarta that have limited (if any) dedicated cycle lanes. Then there is the crap you breath in on your trip from A - B regardless of how short it is. Jakarta is in the top 5 of the most polluted cities in the world; often moving to the top spot.

When staying there I usually pick a hotel in the business districts of either Sudirman or Mega Kunningan. Last time there I patronised at the Orient Royal Hideaway on Sudirman. I enjoy walking so often would take a stroll from there to one of my favourite coffee bars at Pacific Place. Jakarta is blessed with relatively good pavements and although it entailed two under passes a pleasant walk if it was not for the air quality.

According to KNKT (no its not a US radio station) Indonesia’s road safety authority, two wheeled users dominate traffic accidents.

@LE

Yep, you need eyes in your bum and a very calm demeanor to safely navigate Indonesian roads.